EN
For more than 30 years varrosis has ravaged Polish apiaries. This extremely dangerous disease of bees is caused by the Varroa destructor mite. Each year, beekeepers undertake measures to contain the invasion of this parasite. They predominantly use varroacides, which are ready-made, commonly available treatment agents. These include preparations designed on the basis of pesticides. The most popular ones in Poland are Apiwarol, Apitraz, Biowar, Bayvarol and Perizin. Organic apiaries increasingly employ organic acids and essential oils. Scientific research has shown that an adequate use of anti-varrosis agents substantially contains infestations of bee colonies by V. destructor. However, failure to follow the producer’s instructions, excessive doses of the drug, and inappropriate management lead to a number of undesirable side effects. The gravest include the contamination of bees, lower apian resistance, and disorders of the respiratory and alimentary systems, which result in metabolic imbalance and the contamination of bee products.